Almen Abdi confident Watford can secure automatic promotion

Almen Abdi has confirmed he does want to sign for Watford permanently and believes the club can secure automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.

Abdi joined the Hornets on loan in the summer and became an immediate fans favourite.

Watford are keen to sign the Swiss international permanently and the 26-year-old confirmed he also wants to stay long term.

But he stressed: “Yes [talks have started] but I can’t say anything about it at the moment. We have talked a little bit.

“Of course I like the football, I like being near London, I like the club and the guys here but I can’t say anything [about the discussions] because it is too early.”

Despite Watford and the midfielder’s parent club Udinese having the same owners, the likes of Abdi, Matej Vydra and Daniel Pudil will be unable to formally conclude any potential moves before the transfer window reopens in the summer.

The Hornets’ excellent form in recent months has seen the club mount a serious challenge for not only a play-off spot but an automatic place.

Speaking last week, Abdi said: “Yes we believe we can [finish in the top two]. It is a long way to go and a lot can happen in 16 or 17 games but we believe we can do it.”

One of the main reasons for Watford’s rise up the table is the form of fellow Udinese loanee Vydra.

Abdi played with Vydra for two years in Italy and believes the Golden Boys are benefiting from so many of their loan players already having a good relationship, on and off the field.

Abdi explained: “I have known Matej for two-and-a-half years now. I know how he runs and how he works. We know each other well and it is an advantage for us.”

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“Of course [we are delighted he stayed at the club in January],” Abdi continued. “He now has 19 goals and in the last six or seven games he has scored in every match he has started. We are delighted he is still here and I hope we will see him beyond the summer.”

Ten players joined Watford on loan from Udinese in the summer, although two of those, Jean-Alain Fanchone and Steve Leo Beleck, left the club in January.

Abdi admitted it took the players time to adjust initially but believes they have now “grown up as a team”.

One of the players who has shown the most improvement of late is Abdi’s fellow Udinese loanee Cristian Battocchio.

The Argentine-born midfielder has excelled in recent weeks as part of an exciting trio, which also includes Abdi and Nathaniel Chalobah.

Abdi said: “You become confident from playing; this is normal. Cristian has played the last few games and he is getting better. I like playing with him because I have also known him for two-and-a-half years.

“I am enjoying my football at the moment and I think the whole team are.”

Abdi scored his seventh goal for the Golden Boys at the weekend and is on track to reach double figures, but the midfielder is keen to improve his tally even further The Professor, as Zola affectionately calls him, was born in Yugoslavia in 1986 but left the area at the age of three.

His family moved to Switzerland and he grew up in Zurich. Abdi was in the FC Zurich first team for seven years and helped the club win three league titles in four years between 2006 and 2009.

The midfielder, who played in the Champions League and Europa League during his time in Switzerland, had finished the 2009 title-winning season as top scorer but the club decided to relegate the player, and one of his team-mates, to the reserves due to their expected departures during the winter transfer window.

A deal with Udinese could not be agreed in time so Abdi joined French strugglers Le Mans in January 2010 on a short-term contract and when the club were relegated from Ligue 1 that summer, he joined the Italian club on a free transfer.

Abdi, who was in the latest Championship Team of the Week, was a squad player for much of his time at Udinese but he did feature regularly and played in European competitions once again for the Little Zebras.

His footballing career has contributed to the player learning four languages – English, French, German and Italian – and he enjoys moving to new countries and adapting to different cultures.

Abdi says he always wanted to play in the Premier League and now he has the realistic possibility of achieving his dream at Watford.

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“I have watched the Premier League since I was a kid,” Abdi said. “For every football player, it is a dream to play there.

“We have 16 games to go and you never know. We have a chance because we have a lot of quality in this team and we just need to keep going and believing.”

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Comments (38)

More of this self belief and solid management WFC can go places.Your loyalty keeps lifting the fans higher.Zola cometh the hour cometh the men like Doyley.

More of this self belief and solid management WFC can go places.Your loyalty keeps lifting the fans higher.Zola cometh the hour cometh the men like Doyley.Mohandas

More of this self belief and solid management WFC can go places.Your loyalty keeps lifting the fans higher.Zola cometh the hour cometh the men like Doyley.

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mellow yellow says...8:44am Mon 11 Feb 13

Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.

Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.mellow yellow

Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.

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holtonian says...8:52am Mon 11 Feb 13

Has great engine and good allround game. Brilliant if we secure his services.

Has great engine and good allround game. Brilliant if we secure his services.holtonian

Has great engine and good allround game. Brilliant if we secure his services.

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jimbowfc says...8:58am Mon 11 Feb 13

Fantastic news, I think he should become the club captain when he signs permanently.

Fantastic news, I think he should become the club captain when he signs permanently.jimbowfc

Fantastic news, I think he should become the club captain when he signs permanently.

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Dollyhat says...9:07am Mon 11 Feb 13

Watched the Hornets for over 50 years. Almen Abdi is probably the best mid fielder I have seen in Watford colours. Makes the game look easy and a pleasure to watch. Agree, should be skipper.

Watched the Hornets for over 50 years. Almen Abdi is probably the best mid fielder I have seen in Watford colours. Makes the game look easy and a pleasure to watch. Agree, should be skipper.Dollyhat

Watched the Hornets for over 50 years. Almen Abdi is probably the best mid fielder I have seen in Watford colours. Makes the game look easy and a pleasure to watch. Agree, should be skipper.

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Hampshire hornet says...9:14am Mon 11 Feb 13

mellow yellow wrote…

Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.

Totally agree.. We need to support him in Midfield to help him become the game changer

[quote][p][bold]mellow yellow[/bold] wrote:
Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.[/p][/quote]Totally agree.. We need to support him in Midfield to help him become the game changerHampshire hornet

mellow yellow wrote…

Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.

Totally agree.. We need to support him in Midfield to help him become the game changer

Score: 0

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...9:35am Mon 11 Feb 13

Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.

Great news if he does stay.
Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up.
Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.Mickey Quinn, not so thin

Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.

Score: 0

AMP4WFC says...9:36am Mon 11 Feb 13

Very good news. And captain he should be......It is interessting to see just how many signings there will be in the summer. If we go up (which i truely believe we will), I think ALL the loanees will stand in line to sign..... Who doesn´t want to play in th PL. ?

Very good news. And captain he should be......It is interessting to see just how many signings there will be in the summer. If we go up (which i truely believe we will), I think ALL the loanees will stand in line to sign..... Who doesn´t want to play in th PL. ?AMP4WFC

Very good news. And captain he should be......It is interessting to see just how many signings there will be in the summer. If we go up (which i truely believe we will), I think ALL the loanees will stand in line to sign..... Who doesn´t want to play in th PL. ?

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Harry's Bar says...9:53am Mon 11 Feb 13

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote…

Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.

Maybe being linked with Villa was the reason on Friday Deeney played like his mind was elsewhwere.

[quote][p][bold]Mickey Quinn, not so thin[/bold] wrote:
Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.[/p][/quote]Maybe being linked with Villa was the reason on Friday Deeney played like his mind was elsewhwere.Harry's Bar

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote…

Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.

Maybe being linked with Villa was the reason on Friday Deeney played like his mind was elsewhwere.

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KeithMercer says...10:06am Mon 11 Feb 13

Love this player and agree that he is one of the best central midfielders we have seen at the club. Would make a great captain and could be very helpful settling new Udinese players into the area. Quality on and off the pitch thats our Almen Abdi !

Love this player and agree that he is one of the best central midfielders we have seen at the club. Would make a great captain and could be very helpful settling new Udinese players into the area.
Quality on and off the pitch thats our Almen Abdi !KeithMercer

Love this player and agree that he is one of the best central midfielders we have seen at the club. Would make a great captain and could be very helpful settling new Udinese players into the area. Quality on and off the pitch thats our Almen Abdi !

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hornet88 says...10:32am Mon 11 Feb 13

This man is pure class. He just floats around the pitch without you realising where he is....but he's always in the right place. Would be the best signing of the bunch and would make a great club captain. He's the first person I look for on the team sheet each week.

This man is pure class. He just floats around the pitch without you realising where he is....but he's always in the right place. Would be the best signing of the bunch and would make a great club captain. He's the first person I look for on the team sheet each week.hornet88

This man is pure class. He just floats around the pitch without you realising where he is....but he's always in the right place. Would be the best signing of the bunch and would make a great club captain. He's the first person I look for on the team sheet each week.

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pete50 says...10:48am Mon 11 Feb 13

Definitely need him to sign - great midfielder. I would be interested to see if Geijo works with Vydra as he brings more to the game than Deeney.

Definitely need him to sign - great midfielder. I would be interested to see if Geijo works with Vydra as he brings more to the game than Deeney.pete50

Definitely need him to sign - great midfielder. I would be interested to see if Geijo works with Vydra as he brings more to the game than Deeney.

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DuffmanWFC says...10:52am Mon 11 Feb 13

Top player and what I love about our best loan players is that they are so committed and hard working! They've really helped others improve ie Deeney, Doyley, Hoban and the team is so together! If we can keep winning games and especially the big ones vs Cardiff and Leicester we can go up! Then there's no reason why we can't tie down Abdi, Vydra, Ekstrand and Pudil on good contracts! Things are looking good, come on you horns!

Top player and what I love about our best loan players is that they are so committed and hard working! They've really helped others improve ie Deeney, Doyley, Hoban and the team is so together!
If we can keep winning games and especially the big ones vs Cardiff and Leicester we can go up!
Then there's no reason why we can't tie down Abdi, Vydra, Ekstrand and Pudil on good contracts!
Things are looking good, come on you horns!DuffmanWFC

Top player and what I love about our best loan players is that they are so committed and hard working! They've really helped others improve ie Deeney, Doyley, Hoban and the team is so together! If we can keep winning games and especially the big ones vs Cardiff and Leicester we can go up! Then there's no reason why we can't tie down Abdi, Vydra, Ekstrand and Pudil on good contracts! Things are looking good, come on you horns!

Score: 0

lutondown says...11:03am Mon 11 Feb 13

Hampshire hornet wrote…

mellow yellow wrote…

Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.

Totally agree.. We need to support him in Midfield to help him become the game changer

To me Battocchio Abdi and Chalobah in midfield we have Premier class. When we come unstuck it's usually when our midfield is overrun. In regards to whose the most important, I would add Cassetti to the mix. It's very apparent when he's not there ala Bristol.

[quote][p][bold]Hampshire hornet[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]mellow yellow[/bold] wrote:
Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.[/p][/quote]Totally agree.. We need to support him in Midfield to help him become the game changer[/p][/quote]To me Battocchio Abdi and Chalobah in midfield we have Premier class.
When we come unstuck it's usually when our midfield is overrun.
In regards to whose the most important, I would add Cassetti to the mix. It's very apparent when he's not there ala Bristol.lutondown

Hampshire hornet wrote…

mellow yellow wrote…

Great news. THE most important player on the field. Bar none.

Totally agree.. We need to support him in Midfield to help him become the game changer

To me Battocchio Abdi and Chalobah in midfield we have Premier class. When we come unstuck it's usually when our midfield is overrun. In regards to whose the most important, I would add Cassetti to the mix. It's very apparent when he's not there ala Bristol.

Score: 0

lutondown says...11:06am Mon 11 Feb 13

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote…

Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.

And he could be swapping for another championship if Villa don't improve. Hey ho, one door opens and all that, one thing for sure the Owners want us up there, it will happen its just a case of when. May will do nicely

[quote][p][bold]Mickey Quinn, not so thin[/bold] wrote:
Great news if he does stay.
Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up.
Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.[/p][/quote]And he could be swapping for another championship if Villa don't improve.
Hey ho, one door opens and all that, one thing for sure the Owners want us up there, it will happen its just a case of when.
May will do nicelylutondown

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote…

Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.

And he could be swapping for another championship if Villa don't improve. Hey ho, one door opens and all that, one thing for sure the Owners want us up there, it will happen its just a case of when. May will do nicely

Score: 0

PeteBogHorrorHornet says...11:19am Mon 11 Feb 13

Big hint in this interview that he would prefer to play alongside Cristian Battocchio - rather than Jonathon Hogg...?

Big hint in this interview that he would prefer to play alongside Cristian Battocchio - rather than Jonathon Hogg...?PeteBogHorrorHornet

Big hint in this interview that he would prefer to play alongside Cristian Battocchio - rather than Jonathon Hogg...?

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PhilippineOrn says...11:28am Mon 11 Feb 13

It does beg the alternative question - rather than which players will we get to keep if we don't get promoted; who will we let go if we do get promoted.

It does beg the alternative question - rather than which players will we get to keep if we don't get promoted; who will we let go if we do get promoted.PhilippineOrn

It does beg the alternative question - rather than which players will we get to keep if we don't get promoted; who will we let go if we do get promoted.

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willia6692 says...11:44am Mon 11 Feb 13

This is fantastic news. Wasn't sure if he might see his life elsewhere if no promotion, I understand that Ekstrand is his best mate, so hopefully that means he might follow suit.

This is fantastic news. Wasn't sure if he might see his life elsewhere if no promotion, I understand that Ekstrand is his best mate, so hopefully that means he might follow suit.willia6692

This is fantastic news. Wasn't sure if he might see his life elsewhere if no promotion, I understand that Ekstrand is his best mate, so hopefully that means he might follow suit.

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dorothyparker12 says...11:57am Mon 11 Feb 13

What I like best of this team is that they seem to have room for improvement. Especially the youngest, Battocchio Vydra Chalobah and Forestieri. The team is already a mixture of freshness and experience (Cassetti, Abdi), in the usual Pozzo's style.

What I like best of this team is that they seem to have room for improvement. Especially the youngest, Battocchio Vydra Chalobah and Forestieri. The team is already a mixture of freshness and experience (Cassetti, Abdi), in the usual Pozzo's style.dorothyparker12

What I like best of this team is that they seem to have room for improvement. Especially the youngest, Battocchio Vydra Chalobah and Forestieri. The team is already a mixture of freshness and experience (Cassetti, Abdi), in the usual Pozzo's style.

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peter10531089 says...12:13pm Mon 11 Feb 13

Abdi is like Ramage without the diving and attitude! A great engine and work rate, deadball delivery and makes us flow in open play. Before anyone asks I was a huge Ramage fan for all his faults and foibles but agree Abdi is quite superb, as is Vydra, as is Pudil, as is Casetti, etc... repeat to fade

Abdi is like Ramage without the diving and attitude! A great engine and work rate, deadball delivery and makes us flow in open play.
Before anyone asks I was a huge Ramage fan for all his faults and foibles but agree Abdi is quite superb, as is Vydra, as is Pudil, as is Casetti, etc... repeat to fadepeter10531089

Abdi is like Ramage without the diving and attitude! A great engine and work rate, deadball delivery and makes us flow in open play. Before anyone asks I was a huge Ramage fan for all his faults and foibles but agree Abdi is quite superb, as is Vydra, as is Pudil, as is Casetti, etc... repeat to fade

Score: 0

paultheshrink says...12:14pm Mon 11 Feb 13

DuffmanWFC wrote…

Top player and what I love about our best loan players is that they are so committed and hard working! They've really helped others improve ie Deeney, Doyley, Hoban and the team is so together! If we can keep winning games and especially the big ones vs Cardiff and Leicester we can go up! Then there's no reason why we can't tie down Abdi, Vydra, Ekstrand and Pudil on good contracts! Things are looking good, come on you horns!

Good to know that if we keep winning we can go up. I had a feeling that was how it worked, but nice to have it confirmed. What are the chances we may get Chalobah for a second season if we do get there, like we did with Foster? For me thegreat thing is that a) we almost expect promotion now - quite unlike previous forays to the giddy heights of the PL. b) we expect to stay up when (not if) we get there. Changed times, and how good is it?

[quote][p][bold]DuffmanWFC[/bold] wrote:
Top player and what I love about our best loan players is that they are so committed and hard working! They've really helped others improve ie Deeney, Doyley, Hoban and the team is so together!
If we can keep winning games and especially the big ones vs Cardiff and Leicester we can go up!
Then there's no reason why we can't tie down Abdi, Vydra, Ekstrand and Pudil on good contracts!
Things are looking good, come on you horns![/p][/quote]Good to know that if we keep winning we can go up. I had a feeling that was how it worked, but nice to have it confirmed.
What are the chances we may get Chalobah for a second season if we do get there, like we did with Foster?
For me thegreat thing is that
a) we almost expect promotion now - quite unlike previous forays to the giddy heights of the PL.
b) we expect to stay up when (not if) we get there.
Changed times, and how good is it?paultheshrink

DuffmanWFC wrote…

Top player and what I love about our best loan players is that they are so committed and hard working! They've really helped others improve ie Deeney, Doyley, Hoban and the team is so together! If we can keep winning games and especially the big ones vs Cardiff and Leicester we can go up! Then there's no reason why we can't tie down Abdi, Vydra, Ekstrand and Pudil on good contracts! Things are looking good, come on you horns!

Good to know that if we keep winning we can go up. I had a feeling that was how it worked, but nice to have it confirmed. What are the chances we may get Chalobah for a second season if we do get there, like we did with Foster? For me thegreat thing is that a) we almost expect promotion now - quite unlike previous forays to the giddy heights of the PL. b) we expect to stay up when (not if) we get there. Changed times, and how good is it?

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mellow yellow says...12:19pm Mon 11 Feb 13

Abdi is only 26, and what class! Good shout for captain. I'd not really considered that before, but in addition to his sublime playmaking skills (not to mention finishing from the edge of the box) being able to speak four languages is a great bonus. I think Vydra will be off if we don't go up, and I think Deeney may be off if we do. Also nice to see McGinn score at the weekend. A player who still may have a future with us.

Abdi is only 26, and what class! Good shout for captain. I'd not really considered that before, but in addition to his sublime playmaking skills (not to mention finishing from the edge of the box) being able to speak four languages is a great bonus. I think Vydra will be off if we don't go up, and I think Deeney may be off if we do.
Also nice to see McGinn score at the weekend. A player who still may have a future with us.mellow yellow

Abdi is only 26, and what class! Good shout for captain. I'd not really considered that before, but in addition to his sublime playmaking skills (not to mention finishing from the edge of the box) being able to speak four languages is a great bonus. I think Vydra will be off if we don't go up, and I think Deeney may be off if we do. Also nice to see McGinn score at the weekend. A player who still may have a future with us.

Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.

I think Villa will have scouted him purely on a relegation scenario and it's doubtful they would sign him if they stay up. Every threatened club works from two lists otherwise they could be caught cold at the end of the season.

[quote][p][bold]Mickey Quinn, not so thin[/bold] wrote:
Great news if he does stay.
Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up.
Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.[/p][/quote]I think Villa will have scouted him purely on a relegation scenario and it's doubtful they would sign him if they stay up.
Every threatened club works from two lists otherwise they could be caught cold at the end of the season.Bringe

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote…

Great news if he does stay. Will be interesting to see what happens to him, Matty and Troy this summer if we don't go up. Troy can of of course walk away for nothing (Aston V interested per the sun). A prem league salary must be tempting, and while i doubt he'd make the grade, he'd be a free signing so lower prem league teams may be tempted for a cheap gamble.

I think Villa will have scouted him purely on a relegation scenario and it's doubtful they would sign him if they stay up. Every threatened club works from two lists otherwise they could be caught cold at the end of the season.

Score: 0

Feff says...12:57pm Mon 11 Feb 13

Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.

Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.Feff

Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.

Score: 0

Stoney77 says...1:33pm Mon 11 Feb 13

Feff wrote…

Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.

Its wrong to judge a player before he has had the chance to prove himself, particularly considering (I presume) that you are not really qualified to make such a judgement. Look at players like Adam le Fondre, set the lower leagues alight, was fairly average in the championsip, and now doing an awesome 'super sub' job in the Premier league. 2nd top english scorer in the prem I believe. I'm not sure that Deeney is good enough for the premiership too, but I'd be happy for him to sign a new contract and seem him in our premiership squad and hopefully he can prove us all wrong. If he doesnt he'll move on

[quote][p][bold]Feff[/bold] wrote:
Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.[/p][/quote]Its wrong to judge a player before he has had the chance to prove himself, particularly considering (I presume) that you are not really qualified to make such a judgement. Look at players like Adam le Fondre, set the lower leagues alight, was fairly average in the championsip, and now doing an awesome 'super sub' job in the Premier league. 2nd top english scorer in the prem I believe. I'm not sure that Deeney is good enough for the premiership too, but I'd be happy for him to sign a new contract and seem him in our premiership squad and hopefully he can prove us all wrong. If he doesnt he'll move onStoney77

Feff wrote…

Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.

Its wrong to judge a player before he has had the chance to prove himself, particularly considering (I presume) that you are not really qualified to make such a judgement. Look at players like Adam le Fondre, set the lower leagues alight, was fairly average in the championsip, and now doing an awesome 'super sub' job in the Premier league. 2nd top english scorer in the prem I believe. I'm not sure that Deeney is good enough for the premiership too, but I'd be happy for him to sign a new contract and seem him in our premiership squad and hopefully he can prove us all wrong. If he doesnt he'll move on

Score: 0

Stoney77 says...1:36pm Mon 11 Feb 13

On the subject of Abdi. If this is gospel then this is the best news for a long time. But of course players will never say they are unhappy or they want to leave so we cant read too much in to it. Definitely the most gifted centre mid I have ever seen play for the club. Oozes class and just has that premiership touch, vision and calmness about him, Has he ever given the ball away carelessly?

On the subject of Abdi. If this is gospel then this is the best news for a long time. But of course players will never say they are unhappy or they want to leave so we cant read too much in to it. Definitely the most gifted centre mid I have ever seen play for the club. Oozes class and just has that premiership touch, vision and calmness about him, Has he ever given the ball away carelessly?Stoney77

On the subject of Abdi. If this is gospel then this is the best news for a long time. But of course players will never say they are unhappy or they want to leave so we cant read too much in to it. Definitely the most gifted centre mid I have ever seen play for the club. Oozes class and just has that premiership touch, vision and calmness about him, Has he ever given the ball away carelessly?

Score: 0

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...2:32pm Mon 11 Feb 13

Feff wrote…

Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.

We can't sell him - he can leave for nothing in the summer can't he ??

[quote][p][bold]Feff[/bold] wrote:
Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.[/p][/quote]We can't sell him - he can leave for nothing in the summer can't he ??Mickey Quinn, not so thin

Feff wrote…

Sorry, folks, but Deeney is a good Championship player but definitely not good enough for the Premier League. If we go up, sell him. If we stay where we are, sell him, because Vydra will be off and it is Vydra that makes Deeney look so good. I too would like to see Geijo given a chance next to Vydra.

We can't sell him - he can leave for nothing in the summer can't he ??

Score: 0

PhilippineOrn says...2:41pm Mon 11 Feb 13

He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.

He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.PhilippineOrn

He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.

Score: 0

Boosey says...3:21pm Mon 11 Feb 13

The only way Deeney will play in the Premiership is to sign a new contract with us. That's on the condition he doesn't ever turn up again like Friday night.

The only way Deeney will play in the Premiership is to sign a new contract with us. That's on the condition he doesn't ever turn up again like Friday night.Boosey

The only way Deeney will play in the Premiership is to sign a new contract with us. That's on the condition he doesn't ever turn up again like Friday night.

Score: 0

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...3:39pm Mon 11 Feb 13

PhilippineOrn wrote…

He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.

so assuming we lose matty if we don't go up, you are saying we ditch the guy who scored 9 in 9 was it a month or two ago ?? He's no Vydra but has done a pretty good job for us since leaving prison, albeit not so much the last couple of games.

[quote][p][bold]PhilippineOrn[/bold] wrote:
He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.[/p][/quote]so assuming we lose matty if we don't go up, you are saying we ditch the guy who scored 9 in 9 was it a month or two ago ?? He's no Vydra but has done a pretty good job for us since leaving prison, albeit not so much the last couple of games.Mickey Quinn, not so thin

PhilippineOrn wrote…

He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.

so assuming we lose matty if we don't go up, you are saying we ditch the guy who scored 9 in 9 was it a month or two ago ?? He's no Vydra but has done a pretty good job for us since leaving prison, albeit not so much the last couple of games.

Score: 0

DuffmanWFC says...5:41pm Mon 11 Feb 13

For me I can't understand why Villa would want Deeney? Maybe they are looking at options if they go down! Deeney will only get a good shot at the Premiership with us as he has a great on field partnership with Vydra!

For me I can't understand why Villa would want Deeney? Maybe they are looking at options if they go down!
Deeney will only get a good shot at the Premiership with us as he has a great on field partnership with Vydra!DuffmanWFC

For me I can't understand why Villa would want Deeney? Maybe they are looking at options if they go down! Deeney will only get a good shot at the Premiership with us as he has a great on field partnership with Vydra!

Score: 0

Abbots hornet says...7:58pm Mon 11 Feb 13

Have watched the golden boys since 1969 Abdi is simply a superb player a real pleasure to watch a can't remember any midfielder in all that time who can split defences like he can.The passes at Brighton for Deeney who then set up Vydra and the scooped one at Forest for Vydra come to mind.Great that he wants to stay.He can also pass the ball into the net like Ramage and Mo Johnston could,Deeney was very poor on Friday didn't release the ball quick enough for Vydra.He has been a real surprise package as he has held is own with the class players on show this season! At least he isn't on the right wing like where macpie played him!I think he is a good championship player and if we were to go up he would be replaced

Have watched the golden boys since 1969 Abdi is simply a superb player a real pleasure to watch a can't remember any midfielder in all that time who can split defences like he can.The passes at Brighton for Deeney who then set up Vydra and the scooped one at Forest for Vydra come to mind.Great that he wants to stay.He can also pass the ball into the net like Ramage and Mo Johnston could,Deeney was very poor on Friday didn't release the ball quick enough for Vydra.He has been a real surprise package as he has held is own with the class players on show this season! At least he isn't on the right wing like where macpie played him!I think he is a good championship player and if we were to go up he would be replacedAbbots hornet

Have watched the golden boys since 1969 Abdi is simply a superb player a real pleasure to watch a can't remember any midfielder in all that time who can split defences like he can.The passes at Brighton for Deeney who then set up Vydra and the scooped one at Forest for Vydra come to mind.Great that he wants to stay.He can also pass the ball into the net like Ramage and Mo Johnston could,Deeney was very poor on Friday didn't release the ball quick enough for Vydra.He has been a real surprise package as he has held is own with the class players on show this season! At least he isn't on the right wing like where macpie played him!I think he is a good championship player and if we were to go up he would be replaced

Score: 0

PhilippineOrn says...1:04am Tue 12 Feb 13

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote…

PhilippineOrn wrote…

He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.

so assuming we lose matty if we don't go up, you are saying we ditch the guy who scored 9 in 9 was it a month or two ago ?? He's no Vydra but has done a pretty good job for us since leaving prison, albeit not so much the last couple of games.

I'm guessing if we don't get promoted we may lose more than Vydra hence a whole new group of players will arrive. Whether there will be room for Deeney, especially without Vydra remains to be seen. Of course this is all hypothetical since we are going up...I'm just wondering which of our current first team squad won't make the cut in the Premiership.

[quote][p][bold]Mickey Quinn, not so thin[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]PhilippineOrn[/bold] wrote:
He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.[/p][/quote]so assuming we lose matty if we don't go up, you are saying we ditch the guy who scored 9 in 9 was it a month or two ago ?? He's no Vydra but has done a pretty good job for us since leaving prison, albeit not so much the last couple of games.[/p][/quote]I'm guessing if we don't get promoted we may lose more than Vydra hence a whole new group of players will arrive. Whether there will be room for Deeney, especially without Vydra remains to be seen.
Of course this is all hypothetical since we are going up...I'm just wondering which of our current first team squad won't make the cut in the Premiership.PhilippineOrn

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote…

PhilippineOrn wrote…

He is a free agent in the summer, but he hasn't signed a new contract yet - maybe he (ie his agent) is rating him higher than the club do since I agree with Feff....whether we go up or stay where we are I find it hard to see a place for him.

so assuming we lose matty if we don't go up, you are saying we ditch the guy who scored 9 in 9 was it a month or two ago ?? He's no Vydra but has done a pretty good job for us since leaving prison, albeit not so much the last couple of games.

I'm guessing if we don't get promoted we may lose more than Vydra hence a whole new group of players will arrive. Whether there will be room for Deeney, especially without Vydra remains to be seen. Of course this is all hypothetical since we are going up...I'm just wondering which of our current first team squad won't make the cut in the Premiership.

Score: 0

watford1881 says...5:53am Tue 12 Feb 13

We haven't done a thing yet.. We are still a Championship club. Let's not get too carried away.. The rest of the season is gonna be very tough.. Palace game second half proves we're are not as great as we all seam to think.. Please don't get beyond the facts... Still a lot of minutes of football to be played

We haven't done a thing yet.. We are still a Championship club. Let's not get too carried away.. The rest of the season is gonna be very tough.. Palace game second half proves we're are not as great as we all seam to think.. Please don't get beyond the facts... Still a lot of minutes of football to be playedwatford1881

We haven't done a thing yet.. We are still a Championship club. Let's not get too carried away.. The rest of the season is gonna be very tough.. Palace game second half proves we're are not as great as we all seam to think.. Please don't get beyond the facts... Still a lot of minutes of football to be played

Score: 0

lutondown says...8:05am Tue 12 Feb 13

watford1881 wrote…

We haven't done a thing yet.. We are still a Championship club. Let's not get too carried away.. The rest of the season is gonna be very tough.. Palace game second half proves we're are not as great as we all seam to think.. Please don't get beyond the facts... Still a lot of minutes of football to be played

This league is full of paradoxes, so why use Friday night as a gauge? We had players clearly tired, and a midfield overrun in second half, perhaps because one of the better midfielders was sat on bench until last few minutes. But, this is the team that people called for after Bristol, so perhaps GFZ knows a bit more than us all, having spent the week with his players. I do think we are as good we say we are, possibly better, this is still a new squad after all.

[quote][p][bold]watford1881[/bold] wrote:
We haven't done a thing yet.. We are still a Championship club. Let's not get too carried away.. The rest of the season is gonna be very tough.. Palace game second half proves we're are not as great as we all seam to think.. Please don't get beyond the facts... Still a lot of minutes of football to be played[/p][/quote]This league is full of paradoxes, so why use Friday night as a gauge? We had players clearly tired, and a midfield overrun in second half, perhaps because one of the better midfielders was sat on bench until last few minutes. But, this is the team that people called for after Bristol, so perhaps GFZ knows a bit more than us all, having spent the week with his players.
I do think we are as good we say we are, possibly better, this is still a new squad after all.lutondown

watford1881 wrote…

We haven't done a thing yet.. We are still a Championship club. Let's not get too carried away.. The rest of the season is gonna be very tough.. Palace game second half proves we're are not as great as we all seam to think.. Please don't get beyond the facts... Still a lot of minutes of football to be played

This league is full of paradoxes, so why use Friday night as a gauge? We had players clearly tired, and a midfield overrun in second half, perhaps because one of the better midfielders was sat on bench until last few minutes. But, this is the team that people called for after Bristol, so perhaps GFZ knows a bit more than us all, having spent the week with his players. I do think we are as good we say we are, possibly better, this is still a new squad after all.

Score: 0

Harry's Bar says...1:53pm Tue 12 Feb 13

DuffmanWFC wrote…

For me I can't understand why Villa would want Deeney? Maybe they are looking at options if they go down! Deeney will only get a good shot at the Premiership with us as he has a great on field partnership with Vydra!

I think Deeney and, or his agent think he could do a Danny Graham. I'm not sure, if Villa stay up and Watford go up he could find himself out of work. Get real son! Sign your contract before you get a nasty shock (again).

[quote][p][bold]DuffmanWFC[/bold] wrote:
For me I can't understand why Villa would want Deeney? Maybe they are looking at options if they go down! Deeney will only get a good shot at the Premiership with us as he has a great on field partnership with Vydra![/p][/quote]I think Deeney and, or his agent think he could do a Danny Graham. I'm not sure, if Villa stay up and Watford go up he could find himself out of work. Get real son! Sign your contract before you get a nasty shock (again).Harry's Bar

DuffmanWFC wrote…

For me I can't understand why Villa would want Deeney? Maybe they are looking at options if they go down! Deeney will only get a good shot at the Premiership with us as he has a great on field partnership with Vydra!

I think Deeney and, or his agent think he could do a Danny Graham. I'm not sure, if Villa stay up and Watford go up he could find himself out of work. Get real son! Sign your contract before you get a nasty shock (again).

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